ACLU questions FAMU's ban on student groups

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is criticizing Florida A&M University's decision to cancel a summer band camp and block students from joining clubs during a hazing investigation.

State ACLU executive director Howard Simon says the move violates students' first amendment rights. He's made a public records request to school President James Ammons for an explanation on the bans announced earlier this week.

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Simon says the right for students to gather and discuss various issues must be protected.

Ammons said Tuesday that he's cancelling a summer band camp and temporarily blocking students from joining clubs while the university reviews how those groups operate. The band has come under scrutiny as a probe continues into the hazing-related death of a band member in November.